“I think Mitch Daniels would be the perfect pick for us; he’s exactly the man with the proven record that we’re looking for,” Armey said. “He has no need for sensation, but he knows how to get focused on the work and get it done.”

If not Daniels, Armey said, one of the other governors should get the nod.

Armey expressed disappointment that Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) passed on a run this week. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (R) and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R) have each formed exploratory committees, while former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin (R) each are mulling a campaign.